08-26-2002 HR MIN - Laserfiche WebLink

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Housing and Redevelopment Authority Minutes Page 3 August 26,2002 Jim Prosser,Ehlers and Associates spoke about the process of refining the development • through public feedback and interaction with staff. Chair Toth stated that all the developers that were interviewed are qualified to do a project and that he is open to which developer is selected but that at this time he prefers Best and Hempel's plan. He stated that although MetroPlains has the edge on experience, he would not hold the lack of experience against Best and Hempel. Commissioner Thompson indicated that he prefers MetroPlains. He stated that he liked the way they talked about combining and evaluating what is currently downtown and making use of the existing downtown area along with the new components. Commissioner Thompson indicated that it is important to keep the integrity of the downtown as the City is trying to rejuvenate the downtown rather than rebuild the entire area. Commissioner Lieser stated that she is leaning toward MetroPlains but has a concern regarding the fact that they are looking for public money.The City Administrator indicated that all of the developers would be looking for assistance in the way of tax increment financing which is public money. Commissioner Lieser indicated that the River's Edge group interviewed both Best and Hempel and MetroPlains and chose MetroPlains. Commissioner Lieser indicated that she likes the fact that MetroPlains speaks about historic Elk River and it is important to preserve what is currently there. She further stated that she liked the fact that MetroPlains also talked about mixed income housing. Commissioner Wilson indicated that the people in the Rivers Edge group would be most personally effected by the downtown development. He indicated that the River's Edge • endorsement of Metro Plains is the main reason he will be voting in favor of MetroPlains. He indicated that it is important to respect the downtown business and property owners' recommendation. Chair Toth indicated that there has been a petition received from certain members of River's Edge in favor of MetroPlains.He questioned how many members were in the River's Edge group. Wendy Simenson,Kemper Drug representing River's Edge indicated that there are about 35 members of the River's Edge group.Commissioner Toth questioned why all members of the River's Edge Group did not sign the petition.Wendy Simenson indicated that some of the people did not feel they had enough information to sign the petition. Commissioner Motin indicated that the proposal from MetroPlains does not address the issue of opening up the river. Commissioner Morn indicated that Best and Hempel is willing to take on a broader project and deal with the impact of having some of the downtown area being redeveloped. Commissioner Motin indicated that he recommends Best and Hempel as the developer. Chair Toth indicated that he agrees with Commissioner Motin about the need for riverfront utilization. Chair Toth reiterated that the decision should not be based on lack of experience. Larry Olson of MetroPlains Development indicated that they are aware that utilization of the riverfront is one of the objectives of the City and that they would make it part of the development process.